BURY Men's first team suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat at home to second-placed Rochdale on Saturday that has left their promotion hopes hanging by a thread.

The Castlebrook side are third in Division Three North of the North West Men's Hockey League after following up the derby defeat with a 6-0 victory against relegation-threatened Southport on Sunday.

With two games to play they are a point behind Rochdale, in the play-off spot, and the small matter of a trip to league leaders Prescot to come this weekend.

Bury enjoyed a strong start against Rochdale but went behind in the 10th minute after being hit on the break.

They levelled two minutes later through Adam Friend, who was perfectly positioned to force home James Oakes initial shot.

But the good work was undone shortly before half time when Rochdale's winger tucked home a cross-field pass to edge them back in front and the visitors stole another goal on the break in the second half as Bury pushed for the equaliser.

Despite the set-back, the first team put in a convincing display as they brushed aside Southport the following day.

Two goals apiece for James Oakes and Simon Major in the first half were added to by a brilliant double from youngster Sam Plant after the break.

Cutting in from the left wing, Plant produced some excellent play to beat his marker before wrong-footing the keeper and slotting the ball home for his first.

Shortly after, Plant scored an even better goal, drifting past his marker and firing home a reverse stick shot from a narrow angle to seal the victory.

The second team remain in the relegation zone in Division Five North South following a 1-0 defeat at Bolton thirds.

They were left to rue a flurry of missed chances but produced a cohesive display that will give them hope ahead of this weekend's key relegation clash at home to third-bottom Prescot.